Top 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100

July 21, 2021

Are you interested in buying the Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 and do you have a decent budget to place the order? Then you will be pleased with the options we have found in these best bookshelf speakers under $100 guide. With the advancement of technology every year, a case must be made to avoid the premium offer and stay with the budget options if you do not set high standards. In addition, we have created a manual for buyers that will help you if you have never bought a set of bookshelf speakers.

There you can read about the various functions you need to look for in a bookshelf speaker and make an informed decision about which loudspeaker you want to buy. By the time you have finished reading this buyer’s manual, we guarantee that you have the right knowledge to make a purchase.

Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 Comparison Table

Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100
Speaker Name Mountable Weight
Edifier R1280T Yes 10.8 Pounds
Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Yes 6 Pounds
Dayton Audio B652 Yes 8.4 Pounds
JBL Arena B15 Black Yes 17.42 Pounds
Mackie CR3 CR Series Yes 9.4 Pounds
Micca MB42X Yes 9.3 Pounds
Polk Audio T15 Yes 8.25 Pounds

Things To Consider Before Buying Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100

Audio Quality

The most important factor you have to look at is the audio quality because otherwise there is no point in getting bookshelf speakers. Here are some attributes that you should take into account before buying the best bookshelf speakers under $100:

  • Frequency range: the frequency range is an important function to watch because it tells you what you can expect from the speaker. Most speakers have high-frequency spectra that go up to 20kHz. Many bookshelf speakers, however, lack bass, because the frequency response is normally only 100 Hz.
  • Drivers: know that the type of tweezers and woofers is very important because you know from this information whether the loudspeaker of the bookshelf is worth the purchase. The larger the woofer and the tweezers, the better the bass, treble, and midtones will be.
  • Built-in EQ: top-quality bookshelf speakers have built-in EQs that let you control the music the way you want. With the control buttons, you can adjust the bass and treble, which is excellent for bass fans because you can adapt them to your preferences.

Connectivity

There are many ways to connect to your bookshelf speaker and some options are better than others. Connecting via stereo is a good option because you can connect multiple speakers to one device. You can also play music from the stereo via AUX cable, SD card or USB stick. However, you do not need to connect via stereo if the speaker offers versatility. Instead, you can use an AUX cable and play music through your mobile phone, PC, TV or tablets.

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Design

Most bookshelf speakers are completely black with a few exceptions, so if you are looking for style, you may have to exceed your budget. However, some speakers offer nice looks that fit well with all types of decor, such as wood-based. The durability of the loudspeaker is also important because small drops and accidental leaks can occur. Check to see what the scale is made of – normally plastic, which is not strong enough to withstand drops. We recommend getting a mixture of plastic and rubber because the rubber can absorb the most shocks.

Convenience

The convenience of the best bookshelf speakers under $100 is extremely important because it makes the device easy and practical to use, a number of useful features are:

  • Remote control: the remote control can be a difference because you can control the audio remotely. With remote control, you can skip songs, adjust the volume and switch off the loudspeaker.
  • Mounting option: with some headphones you cannot fix them to the wall, which you should pay attention to if this is a must-have. The keyhole attachment design is quick to set up and easy to insert.
  • Quick setup: Check whether the speaker can be set up easily because it can be very annoying if you have never done this before. Also, make sure that the loudspeaker comes with its own cables because this can save you time and money because you do not have to order them separately.

Brand

Ordering an already established brand is a good way to know that the speaker you are going to get is of top quality. Also, already established brands give guarantees from manufacturers that last for years, which is another good reason to work with well-known brands. Choosing smaller brands is also a good option because they can offer cheaper prices for the same quality. In this buyer’s guide, we also included some of the lesser known options that are of equally good quality.

Here are the Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100, arranged according to the audio quality, built design, and price ratio:

Edifier R1280T

The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speaker is easy to use and easy to set up. It has 2 AUX inputs and a 3.5 mm headphone output, which means that they are compatible with most devices. The loudspeakers come with a 2-year warranty that runs smoothly and comes with excellent customer service. In addition, the speakers are supplied with a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume, control the music and mute when needed. There are bass and treble controls on the side of the speaker, which is good because you can choose bass-enhanced beats or more vocal soundtracks.

Also, the stylish design is a classic wood-like finish that fits well with many home decors. The speakers are made to be durable because it uses high-quality premium materials. What’s even more impressive with the Edifier R1280T is that you can connect multiple speakers to the RCA inputs to create an ultrasound system. However, the Edifier R1280T is not the cheapest choice and takes your entire budget, but if this is not a problem, these speakers are one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100. They are also quite bulky and are getting ready to have space when they arrive.

Pros:

  • Has multiple RCA input slots
  • Excellent audio
  • Comes with a control pad

Cons:

  • Must know how to tune the speaker to use the side bass and treble regulator
  • Will use up the whole $100 budget

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Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch

These high-quality bookshelf speakers are designed not to break the bank, but at the same time compete with some of the best bookshelf speakers under $100 in the market. The audio produced by the Sound Appeal 6.5-inch bookshelf speakers is nothing short of excellent because it uses 6.5-inch polypropylene woofers and a specially tuned bass reflex port. “What’s more, the appeal of these speakers is that they look good and are made from high-quality materials with black wood grain cabinets, and you will receive a three-year warranty covering defects from the manufacturer.

The loudspeaker can also withstand all types of music since it uses a wide frequency response of 45 Hz – 20k Hz. The 90 dB sensitivity means that you can play music at a high volume and do not experience any loss of quality. The Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speaker is a solid offer, but if you’re looking for something bigger, consider some of the other mountable options on this list. The frequency spectrum could also be slightly wider to get more bass-intensive beats.

Pros:

  • Comes with long warranty
  • Stylish design
  • 90 dB sensitivity

Cons:

  • Small design
  • Dropping them can easily break the drivers inside

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Dayton Audio B652

The Dayton Audio B652 comes with a compact, wall-mounted design that is easy to set up. In addition, the sound sounds great and is ideal for home theaters because the cone woofer in polypropylene produces a great bass and the 4-layer voice coil achieves an excellent balance. Also, most speakers use plastic housing components to save costs, but the Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker uses a sturdy wood composite case that minimizes resonance and improves warmth without sacrificing brightness. The wooden design also suits many decors, so do not worry that they do not look right.

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The frequency range of these speakers is 85 Hz – 20k Hz, ideal for listening to music and watching movies. The sensitivity is also 84 dB, which means that you can play music in ultra-loud places and the quality of the audio does not get worse. The frequency range is great for watching movies, but if you like bass-intensive music, the 85-Hz limit will not reduce it. Also, the weight of the speakers is 8.4 pounds, which means that if you mount them incorrectly they can easily fall and break due to the large weight. Overall, they are surely one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100.

Pros:

  • Comes with built-in subwoofer
  • Dense stable wood design
  • Easily mountable

Cons:

  • Frequency range could be wider
  • Feels like a budget option when holding

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JBL Arena B15 Black

Using a 1-inch soft dome tweeter, the JBL Arena B15 black bookshelf & surround loudspeaker produces excellent treble with powerful midtones. In addition, the speakers are installed with a 5.5-inch woofer that floats with its roaring bass to the rhythm. The stylish design is completely black and even comes with grills for a better look. The integrated wall bracket is flexible and easy to install, which is great for TV and PC sets. Furthermore, the JBL Arena B15 is intended for use in combination with a whole range of JBL speakers with 2 upright speakers, 2 bookshelf speakers, 1 central speaker, and a subwoofer.

The frequency spectrum is ultra wide at 100 Hz – 40k Hz, which means that the highs and midtones sound much better than ordinary speakers. The recommended amplifier power is also about 20 to 100 watts. The high sound point with excellent accuracy, but some do not go for the bass since the frequency response is not made for the lower frequency. So if the bass is a must-have for you, the JBL Arena B15 is surely one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100.

Pros:

  • Easy to mount
  • Part of a whole JBL set
  • Wide frequency response

Cons:

  • Heavyweight
  • Bass is not as great as other speakers

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Mackie CR3 CR Series

The Mackie CR3 CR series is a studio quality speaker that performs well under all conditions, whether you watch TV, play computer games or listen to music. The professional quality components produce astonishingly lively beats and the audio comes to life using the wide frequency response (80Hz to 20kHz). In addition, the speakers are easy to use thanks to the convenient control panel that allows you to adjust the volume and switch the loudspeaker on and off. The speakers are compatible with smartphones and tablets, so if you do not have a PC, there are other alternatives.

Moreover, there is nothing worse than buying brand new speakers and not the right cables to set it up. However, Mackie tackles this problem by offering you a range of cables and insulation cushions that you can use right away. The only negative we can find with these speakers is the price level of nearly $100, which is your entire budget. Other than that, these budget speakers are equipped with multiple functions and the sound sounds great.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Comes with its own cables
  • Easy to setup

Cons:

  • Most expensive option on this list
  • A green design may not be for everyone

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Micca MB42X

With the help of a highly balanced woven carbon fiber woofer, the bass sounds stronger and of very good quality. The frequency range is 60 Hz – 20k Hz, making high and medium super accurate and the music sounds like the artist intended. The gated enclosure delivers an extended bass response with low distortions, meaning you can listen to music without being afraid of low-quality interruptions or audio. You can also remove the magnetic grill at the front to see how the drivers work, but this is not recommended and more of a gimmick.

These speakers are most suitable for TV sets or home theaters, because of the loud audio that it can produce at a smooth level. They are also great for PC settings because the speakers have a wide frequency range that they can take advantage of. The main drawback of these speakers is the design – there are better options if you need something that has to do with your previous installation. However, you can turn off the front to display the drivers, which improves the display of the speaker. Overall, the Micca MB42X is one of the best bookshelf speakers under 100 dollars that you can buy right now.

Pros:

  • No distortion whatsoever
  • Great for any TV set
  • Bass sounds great

Cons:

  • Ugly design
  • Heavy to transport

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Polk Audio T15

The Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speakers are designed for superior home theater and music performance. They produce lively beats with extremely high tones and thunderous lows. The dynamic drivers are balanced by professionals to deliver fantastic sounds regardless of the activity. The use of magnetically shielded housings is also distortion-free. The best part of the Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speakers is that it is easy to set up and connect most home receivers, stereos, or home theater. In addition, they are easy to mount on all screws due to the built-in design of the keyhole.

Also, you can remove the grill to reveal one 0.75-inch tweeter, 5.25-inch driver and front bass-base port. However, keeping the speaker loud in this way can be dangerous because accidental spillage or fall damages the drivers directly. The Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speakers do not have any other negatives than the frequency response. If you are a bass fan, 60 Hz will not cut it, because you will not really hear deep lows. However, you can purchase an additional subwoofer in your setup to take into account the missing bass.

Pros:

  • Excellent mids and highs
  • Great for any occasion gaming, movies, and music.
  • Fast to setup

Cons:

  • Speaker is not bass driven
  • Must have a stereo or something similar to connect to

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Conclusion

If you’ll get any of the Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 from the above list, you’ll get decent performance for a variety of applications. Whether you’re looking for something to use on your desktop or just a decent stereo pack for your media center, these speakers will do the job. We have discussed some of the shortcomings and limitations of affordable bookshelf models that should give you a relatively good picture of what you can expect. Being realistic is paramount. With that in mind, the aforementioned models are by far the best value for money you can find right now.

Top 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers